Wife of Water Lawyer

Having been the lead counsel for the lengthy Supreme Court case of Wyoming vs. Colorado (1911-1922), Delph Carpenter eventually sought out-of-court resolutions of the West’s water problems. He became the leading proponent of the interstate compact idea as Colorado’s interstate streams commissioner and was instrumental in negotiating the Colorado River Compact (1922), among others. Delph traveled extensively for this work, frequently accompanied and aided by Dot.

From the early 1920s, Delph suffered from symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. After 1933, Delph was bedridden at his home in Greeley, cared for almost entirely by his wife. Dot also kept him engaged and informed by reading to him and taking dictation for his correspondence and diary entries. Delph Carpenter died on February 27, 1951.

Dot Carpenter passed away in 1980 at age 101. Spending more than a decade in a nursing home, Dot filled her time with books, solitaire, and family. To the end, she enjoyed life with good cheer.

Telegram from Delph E. Carpenter to Michaela Hogarty Carpenter
Telegram home during key period in western history
Letter from Delph E. Carpenter to George W. Malone
Letter revealing Delph's dependence on Dot
A testimonial of appreciation presented to Honorable Delph Carpenter
Testimonial of Appreciation, which Dot had a share in along with Delph
Letter from L. Ward Bannister to Michaela Hogarty Carpenter
Condolence letter calling Dot "a veritable hero"